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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match prediction [Source: X]
New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in the 46th T20I of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a crucial Super 8 Group 2 clash. The NZ vs SL match will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, February 25, with the game scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST.
Sri Lanka enter this contest with mixed form in their last five matches, registering three wins and two losses. They suffered defeat against England in the Super 8 stage and will have a do-or-die situation in the upcoming clash.
New Zealand, on the other hand, have shown strong form with four wins in their last five matches. Their only recent defeat came against South Africa, with an abandoned match against Pakistan.
The Kiwis will also look to bag a win to strengthen their Semi-Final chances. With both teams aiming for a semi-final spot, the stakes are high in this Group 2 encounter.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka current form (last 5 matches)
| Teams | Form |
| Sri Lanka | NR, W, L, W, W |
| New Zealand | L, L, W, W, W |
NZ vs SL: Key player battles
Pathum Nissanka vs Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka's top order relies heavily on explosive starts from Pathum Nissanka against New Zealand's pace attack. Ferguson’s raw speed and bounce could trouble the right-hand opener early. In Colombo's slower conditions, any early wickets here swing momentum, expect fiery opening spells testing SL's intent.
Pathum Nissanka vs Lockie Ferguson in T20Is: 2 runs; 6 balls; 0 dismissals
Kusal Mendis vs Mitchell Santner
A classic spin vs spin-bats battle. Kusal Mendis is key for SL's acceleration phase, with Kusal's aggression. Santner's left-arm orthodox excels at controlling run rates with flight and variations. On a turning Premadasa pitch, this matchup could decide if SL post 160+ or get restricted.
Kusal Mendis vs Mitchell Santner in T20Is: 34 runs; 39 balls; 4 dismissals
Rachin Ravindra vs Maheesh Theekshana
New Zealand's dynamic middle order, starring Rachin Ravindra's left-hand flair faces SL's mystery spin. Theekshana's carrom-ball variations could exploit any grip available. These battles often turn games in T20 World Cups, especially if NZ chase or need quick runs.
Rachin Ravindra vs Maheesh Theekshana in T20Is: 25 runs; 13 balls; 0 dismissals
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NZ vs SL top performers
Most runs for NZ vs SL
Daryl Mitchell (250), Tim Seifert (207)
Most wickets for NZ vs SL
Mitchell Santner (14), Jacob Duffy (8)
Most runs for SL vs NZ
Kusal Perera (417), Kusal Mendis (314)
Most wickets for SL vs NZ
Wanindu Hasaranga (19), Matheesha Pathirana (7)
NZ vs SL toss prediction
The venue has offered competitive contests between the bat and the ball in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 so far. Interestingly, teams batting first have enjoyed greater success at this ground. Four out of five completed matches have been won by the side setting a target, with an average first-innings score of 173.
Although captains have often preferred to bowl first after winning the toss, the results suggest that batting first has been the safer option. Therefore, the skipper winning the toss in the upcoming match may look to bat first and make full use of the conditions.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay: 60/1
Final score: 175
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay: 50/2
Final score: 160
NZ vs SL top players prediction
NZ's top players
Probable best batters
Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert
Probable best bowlers
Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
SL’s top players
Probable best batters
Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka
Probable best bowlers
Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana
Who will hit the most sixes in the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match 46, Super 8?
Tim Seifert
Who will hit the most fours in the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match 46, Super 8?
NZ vs SL Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win Match 46, Super 8?
New Zealand have been the aggressors in head-to-head encounters, winning 16 out of 28 T20I matches against Sri Lanka. With an established dominance over the hosts, although Sri Lanka will have the home advantage, recent form suggests that New Zealand are likely to win the upcoming Super Eight clash against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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